FY21 Annual Report

Grand Traverse

Industries

Cindy Evans Executive Director

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Note from the Executive Director

A year of services in the midst of a continuing pandemic has had its share of difficulties. But we have continued on with a determination to provide the best services we can to assure that the clients we serve continue to be active and participating members of their community. If it was not for the support of Northern Lakes and North Country CMH and the provider stabilization payments and direct care premium pay, we would likely not had the successes I share in this report. We are grateful that you believe in the work that we do as we enrich the lives of the individuals we serve by creating job that put paychecks in hands and opportunities that place smiles on faces. There are great things happening and we look forward to another great year!

We Broke ground: We sold our aging Aero Park facility and our original manufacturing plant. With these sales final we were able to move forward with the construction of a new addition on our bag manufacturing facility. This will bring all of our Travers City programs under one roof. With this consolidation we are focused on more work opportunities and updated program spaces for the individuals who participate in the day programs. We were very intentional in the design of the

Program space to assure large windows for natural light and a covered entrance for BATA drop offs. The addition is just over 30,000 square feet and projected to be completed in late spring / early summer of 2022.

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Over $445,000 in wages earned by individuals with significant disabilities.

For some in our program it is all about paychecks. 210 clients served earned a paycheck company wide. Work opportunities: In facility we had work from many community partners such as Lear, Stromberg Carlson, Plascon, Fustini’s, Traverse City Products and our own bag manufacturing just to name a few. Supported employment community enclaves we worked with the Record Eagle, Interlochen Arts Academy, Blue Vase book store, Grand Beach Sugar beach, our own janitorial crews and many more.

We started a new credentialing program for Direct Care Professionals: We are investing in our staff by

offering an extensive training program and a three tier credentialing certification through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals.

DSP Certification (DSP-I, DSP-II, DSP-III) Certification through NADSP acknowledges direct support professionals for their exemplary work in supporting people with disabilities. These various levels of certification including DSP-I, DSP-II, and DSP-III, recognize the knowledge, skills and values of direct support professionals, through participation in the NADSP E-badge academy.

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14 clients were employed on our janitorial crews.

48 clients participated in supported employment

enclave crews

2 clients were competitively employed

12 clients were referred by MRS for job placement

338 individuals served in all programs combined LIS’N: Our interpreter program continued to provide essential front line services for the community and the deaf population. Whether it be at Munson, in a doctor’s office, the college, or a work place, our interpreters where there assuring the highest quality service was available and provided.

We had record bag sales this year with over 1.2 million

in sales. This has created 6-10 hourly paid jobs each

day for the clients that we serve.

We do more than paychecks, we also offer access to

the community and a safe and engaging environment

for developing meaningful relationships.

Pictures tell our story Best.

We did a lot together….

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Community Events

We volunteered in the community

Bowling

We went Fishing Got out and

enjoyed the

sunshine

Beach

Days are

the best We

went

to the fair

We went

hiking

Picked Blueberries

Developed

Friendships

Did some cooking

Creating opportunities, paychecks and a lot of smiles

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Coast Guard Enclave

Working Hard

Shanty Creek Enclave

Donating to the Kalkaska

Animal Shelter

1:1 support for

independent

business

Creating opportunities, paychecks and a lot of smiles

Enjoying the Great Outdoors